I started double cleansing my skin a couple years ago and since I started, I never looked back because the results are amazing! Today, I’m going to be going over what double cleansing is, the difference between oil and water based cleansers, and how often we should be double cleansing. Let’s get into it!

What is Double Cleansing?

Double cleansing is a skincare technique that is extremely popular in Asian beauty because it gently and effectively cleans the skin without striping the pores of essential moisture. The first step of the cleansing process is to clean the skin using an oil based cleanser to remove dirt, oil, sunscreen, and makeup. The second step of double cleansing is using a water based cleanser to remove any remaining traces of dirt and deeply cleanse the pores.

What is an Oil Based Cleanser?

Oil based cleansers come in the form of an oil balm or liquified oil. These oil cleansers are meant to be applied directly onto dry, dirty skin. If you’re using a balm, take about a teaspoon amount of balm and rub it between your hands. Then, apply directly to your face. I use very light pressure and move my hands in small circles to remove all of the dirt and makeup. It’s so fun to watch my makeup melt away!

After gently rubbing the cleaner around for approximately 60 seconds, wash the cleanser off with water. The oil cleanser, along with your makeup and dirt, easily dissolves with water and leaves your skin prepped for the second step of cleansing. I really like rinsing off the oil cleanser when I take a shower so I don’t end up with a splashy mesh on my bathroom counter.

I fell in love with oil cleansers because they are AMAZING at removing makeup. Since I wear a full face of makeup a couple days out of the week, oil cleansing is my best friend. The oil cleanser removes all my foundation, eyeshadow, and even waterproof mascara! 

*Another reason I love oil cleansers is because it’s a more eco friendly way to remove makeup compared to makeup removing wipes. Makeup removing wipes take about 100 years to decompose. PLEASE ditch the makeup wipes! Not only are they bad for the Earth, but they are more rough on the skin because you have to scrub and wipe your face aggressively compared to gently removing makeup with an oil cleanser. Hasta la pasta, Neutrogena makeup removing towelettes!

My Favorite Oil Cleansers

–Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm– $26 for 6.9 oz ($3.76 per oz)

This cleansing balm from Banila Co. is HYPED AF in the Asian beauty world! This balm smells like a light berry dessert. Basically, heaven. As any good oil cleanser should, it gently removes your makeup and washes off easily. Honestly, using this cleanser is such a fun spa like experience. If you haven’t tried this one yet, buy it now! Oil cleansers in balm form are perfect for traveling too because you don’t have to worry about a leaky mess in your bag.

–Hada Labo Gokujun Cleansing Oil– $20 for 6.7 oz ($2.98 per oz)

This oil cleanser works just as well as the Banila Co. cleansing balm, but this one is cheaper and comes in a liquid form. Unfortunately, it doesn’t really smell like anything compared to the Banila Co. balm. The pump is really nice because you can quickly start double cleansing without having to scoop out the product with a spatula. One bottle lasts me about 4-6 months! The only downside is that you can’t travel with this bottle.

–Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm– $30 for 3.8 oz. ($7.89 per oz)

This Clinique cleansing balm is also nice and works well, but I don’t like it as much as the Banila Co. and Hada Labo cleansers. Plus, it is significantly more expensive for no reason. When it comes to K-beauty routines, I like to stick to using Asian beauty products instead of using an American brand like Clinique. I bought this little jar because it fits well in my travel bag, but that was before I knew Banila Co. made a mini ($7). Like I said, it’s a good oil cleansing balm, but I don’t see the point of spending more for it.

Can I Use Any Oil as an Oil Cleanser?

NO!!!!! Oil based cleansers are formulated to be used on the skin so they won’t clog your pores and can be easily washed off. Coconut oil, olive oil, and other cooking oils will not wash off easily like oil based cleansers do. 

What is a Water Based Cleanser?

Water based cleansers are your typical foaming, gel, and cream cleansers. You’re probably already using one. Make sure you’re using a gentle cleanser with a low pH. I really like the Fresh beauty soy cleanser I covered last week. Another water based cleanser I’ve heard really good things about is the COSRX low pH good morning cleanser (next on my list).

I use my water based cleanser after the oil based cleanser. Since I wash my oil cleanser off in the shower, I usually do the water based cleanser step while I’m in there too. I apply the cleanser directly to my Foreo cleansing device and I cleanse for about 60-120 seconds to deeply clean my skin.

How Often Should You Double Cleanse?

Double cleansing should be done once a day at night! Since oil cleansers remove makeup, dirt, and pollutants that build up throughout the day, there’s not really any reason to use them in the morning. I have dry skin, I actually don’t even need to use my water based cleanser in the morning either.

Have you heard of double cleansing? Do you already double cleanse?